News

Congratulations to the Otago Regional Final’s Winner Natures Prime (St Hilda’s) and runner up Rhythm (OGHS)!

Business South celebrated the next generation of Otago entrepreneurs today at the Young Enterprise Scheme (YES) Regional Finals, held at the University of Otago’s Business School.

The event marks the culmination of months of dedication and creativity from secondary school students across the region. This year’s programme involved 338 students from 14 schools throughout Otago, guided by their teachers, mentors, and the Business South YES team.

The traditional copper network that has long carried our phone and internet services is being progressively retired.

In areas where fibre is available – mostly urban and semi-urban locations – this change is happening sooner rather than later. Chorus has confirmed that all copper services in fibre areas will be fully withdrawn by mid-2026.

Business South today announced a new collaboration with Xero to bring the Know Your Numbers programme to its members - an initiative designed to strengthen financial literacy among small business owners and non-profits across Aotearoa New Zealand.  

Know Your Numbers is a free programme that provides practical tools and support to help small businesses build confidence in managing their finances. It’s especially valuable for those who may not have access to traditional networks or resources to access support.  

Business South, Business Mentors NZ, and Central Otago’s Welcoming Communities have joined forces to provide support to newcomers in the business world for those up and comers who are new to the Central Otago district.

“Moving to a new district, or halfway across the globe, is overwhelming at the best of times – let alone understanding an unfamiliar professional landscape,” Central Otago District Council Welcoming Communities Officer Heather Harries, said. “A business mentor can provide guidance, help build confidence and capability, provide industry knowledge, fresh perspectives, and a sounding board for new ideas.”

US President Donald Trump signed an executive order for new tariff rates on a wide swathe of US trading partners to go into effect in seven days (8 August 2025). The new tariff rate for New Zealand - 15% - is an increase from the “baseline” 10% that Trump announced during his “Liberation Day” event on April 2.

Business confidence in the south continues to increase according to Business South’s latest quarterly business survey, a sign of regional resilience and momentum. 81% believe Otago and Southland is heading in the right direction.

At the latest BA5 Networking event in Central Otago, hosted by Santana Minerals, over 120 businesses attended the event to discuss the proposed fast-track mining operation. It was an informative and respectful discussion, with diverse business sectors sharing their views.

We understand that recent US trade policy is causing uncertainty and making it hard for businesses to make decisions and plan.

It is often hard to keep track of rapidly-evolving situation in the US and understand exactly how your businesses may be impacted.

Read more to see as of today, 12th June 2025, the current status of New Zealand exports to the US.

We are proud to bring Icehouse training to Otago, available exclusively through Business South. Icehouse is one of Aotearoa's most prestigious business development organisations, known for empowering New Zealand businesses through world-class training and their commitment to creating a high-performing New Zealand economy where businesses thrive.